BANGKOK—Six Senses, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with Activos Turisticos de Mexico (ACTUR) for the development of Six Senses Xala, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Flanked by five miles of curving white-sand beach, the 3,000-acre terrain, located in the Costalegre or “Cheerful Coast” region of Jalisco, will offer both a sanctuary and a vibrant community among fragrant mango fields, coconut palms, pristine ocean, and the serene estuary waters of the Xola-Paramán. Secluded within this verdant landscape, yet just 10 minutes from the new Chalacatepec International Airport, Six...

TORONTO—A new, greener era in hardscaping is here thanks to award-winning EcoTerra technology by Unilock, North America’s premier manufacturer of concrete interlocking paving stones and segmental retaining walls for patios, plazas, walkways and more. EcoTerra technology replaces traditional Portland Cement with a carbon-neutral alkali-activated mineral binder which results in a 100 percent cement-free face-mix. This results in a highly durable, remarkably colorfast product that will reduce carbon up to 15 percent. The first-of-its-kind in the North American hardscape market, EcoTerra’s leading-edge technology will allow designers and contractors to create beautiful outdoor spaces—sustainably: Zero Cement: With no cement in the face-mix, there is no chemical reaction...

BETHESDA, MD.—For many years Host Hotels & Resorts has been recognized for its ongoing sustainability leadership, and justifiably so. It was the first hospitality company and one of the first 20 companies globally to have its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). “ is very important,” says Michael Chang, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability for Host Hotels & Resorts. “It is prioritized by the investor community. It signals that your goals are credible.” Of its portfolio of 77 hotels, 11 are LEED certified. “Our sustainable financing strategies enable our responsible investment in LEED-certified...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) announced its commitment to becoming a regional leader in renewable energy. The District is actively collaborating with its partners at Reedy Creek Energy Services on exploring alternative renewable sources. This initiative aims to protect the environment while simultaneously reducing energy costs for taxpayers. District Administrator Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, Jr. stated, “The significance of renewable energy cannot be overstated in providing a safe and seamless experience for the 68,000,000 visitors and nearly 100,000 workers within the District boundaries. As District Administrator, I am dedicated to ensuring that the Central Florida Tourism...

NEW YORK—Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels, has announced the launch of its first-ever Global Impact Report underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the effect of its member portfolio’s worldwide ESG initiatives. The report, available online at www.staybeyondgreen.com/GIR, utilizes data resulting from a Beyond Green member sustainability survey to demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism in safeguarding the planet’s natural environment, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the lives of local communities—representing the future of travel. Established by Preferred Travel Group in April 2021, Beyond Green unites sustainability leaders worldwide to transform the travel industry with each member property vetted...

SAINT KITTS—Sunset Reef Hotel in St Kitts has earned the prestigious title of Sustainable Hotel of The Year at the Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards 2024. The awards, hosted on the Caribbean Journal’s website, recognized outstanding contributions to the region’s success across various categories. Sunset Reef Hotel’s victory underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Highlighted as a benchmark for the industry, the hotel merges luxurious hospitality with innovative environmental practices. The resort prioritizes renewable energy management with an efficient air conditioning system and energy from pools. In addition, the resort is committed to water conservation and implements a strict no-plastic...

I had an opportunity to interview Michael Chang, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability for Host Hotels & Resorts this past week. Be sure to watch for the article soon on Green Lodging News. A little more than seven years ago, I featured Michael in the Personnel Profile section of my site and have frequently posted about Host Hotels & Resorts since. For those of you not familiar with Host, it is a Bethesda, Md.-based Real Estate Investment Trust with a portfolio of 77 hotels with 42,000 rooms in the top 20 U.S. markets. Notably, Host owns the New York...

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Tampa, where I currently live, officially had its hottest year on record in 2023, according to numbers released by the National Weather Service. The NWS recorded an average temperature from 1/1/2023 to 12/28/2023 of 76.6 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 0.2 degrees hotter than the previous record for the hottest year set in 2022 at 76.4 degrees. It was oven hot this past summer and my family did not even want to venture outside to the swimming pool. As reported in the Climate Journal, the earth is heating up fast. Global temperatures could rise 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2029, according to...

RICHMOND, VA.—Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. published its annual Corporate Responsibility Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance, strategy and initiatives and features its commitment to environmental sustainability, corporate employees, hotel associates and guests, communities, and other stakeholders. “Apple Hospitality has always worked to uphold high ESG standards and believes these key areas of focus are an integral part of driving long-term value for our shareholders,” said Justin Knight, CEO of Apple Hospitality. “As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are pleased to report Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions for 2022. We are...